TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper - Windows 10 Service
Provides support for the NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution for clients on the network, therefore enabling users to share files, print, and log on to the network. If this service is stopped, these functions might be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
This service also exists in Windows 11, 8, Vista and XP.
Startup Type
| Windows 10 version | Home | Pro | Education | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1507 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1511 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1607 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1703 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1709 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1803 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1809 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1903 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1909 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 2004 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 20H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 21H1 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 21H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 22H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Default Properties
| Display name: | TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper |
| Service name: | lmhosts |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\System32\svchost.exe -k LocalServiceNetworkRestricted -p |
| File: | %WinDir%\System32\lmhsvc.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | TDI |
| Object: | NT AUTHORITY\LocalService |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service is running as NT AUTHORITY\LocalService in a shared process of svchost.exe. Other services might run in the same process. If TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 10 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the lmhosts service has failed to start.
Dependencies
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper is unable to start, if the Ancillary Function Driver for Winsock service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type of TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 10 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreTCPIPNetBIOSHelperWindows10.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the lmhsvc.dll file exists in the %WinDir%\System32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 10 installation media.